Ep 17. To the Viktor

To the Viktor, the seventeenth episode of season ten of Forensic Files, follows the story of a young woman named Shannon Siders who meets a tragic end. Siders was a beloved nurse and a mother of four, living in the small town of Newaygo, Michigan. She was described by friends and family as someone who had a kind heart and was always willing to help others.

One day in 1989, Siders vanished without a trace, leaving her family and friends worried sick. Her car was found abandoned with the keys still in the ignition, and there was no sign of a struggle or foul play. The case went cold for several years until a break in the case led investigators to a suspect.

Viktor Gunnarsson, a man who had moved to the US from Iceland, became a suspect in the case after it was discovered that he had been in a relationship with Siders at the time of her disappearance. The two had met at the nursing home where Siders worked, and they quickly became involved in a romantic relationship.

However, Gunnarsson's strange behavior after Siders' disappearance raised suspicion among investigators. He had left his job at the nursing home and moved back to Iceland just days after Siders went missing. He also refused to cooperate with investigators, and his alibi for the night of Siders' disappearance fell apart under scrutiny.

The forensic evidence collected during the investigation was crucial in solving the case. The forensic team discovered a small blood stain on Gunnarsson's jacket that matched Siders' DNA. They also found a bloody fingerprint on a binder in Gunnarsson's apartment that matched Siders' fingerprint.

The biggest breakthrough in the case came from a curious piece of technology. A receipt found in Gunnarsson's apartment revealed that he had purchased a specific type of plastic essential for a part used to create a meat grinder capable of grinding bone. This discovery led investigators to a meat grinder found in Gunnarsson's basement that contained bone fragments and tissue that matched Siders' DNA.

With the forensic evidence, investigators were able to build a strong case against Gunnarsson. He was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The forensic evidence proved to be the key to securing a conviction in this case.

To the Viktor is a compelling episode of Forensic Files that highlights the importance of forensic evidence in solving crimes. The episode showcases the meticulous work of forensic investigators and the crucial role of technology in modern forensic investigations. It is a reminder of the incredible impact that forensic science can have on the criminal justice system and on bringing closure to families and friends of victims of crime.